Miss a windrow? That’s wasted time.

Run a slow bale cycle? Still wasting time.

Hauling between fields? It adds up fast.

The Vermeer ZR-4S self-propelled baler helps cut down all three.

Less backtracking. Less waiting. Less dead time.

What you get is more hay baling.

This is not a tractor and baler trying to work together. The ZR-4S — shorthand for the ZR-2200 self-propelled baler with the Z604S bale chamber — is the latest purpose-built Vermeer self-propelled baler designed to move fast, turn tight and keep the operator in control from the cab. If you are comparing self-propelled balers for sale, this guide breaks down what the ZR-4S is, who it fits and how to buy one for your operation.

What is the ZR-4S self-propelled baler?

The Vermeer ZR-4S self-propelled baler is a 4-ft (1.2-m)-class self-propelled baler built for hay producers and custom operators who want more productivity out of every field pass. It combines the ZR-2200 power unit with the Z604S bale chamber to produce bales from 36 in (91.4 cm) to 72 in (182.9 cm) in diameter, with a 47-in (119.4-cm) bale width and maximum bale weight up to 2,400 lb (1,089 kg).

In plain terms, it delivers 4-ft (1.2-m)-wide bales and faster field performance in a purpose-built baler — not a tractor and baler trying to work together.

How to buy the Vermeer ZR-4S self-propelled baler

If you are ready to explore the ZR-4S, here is the clearest path to purchase:

• Review the ZR-4S specs, bale size range, key features and machine configuration to understand how the machine fits within the Vermeer self-propelled baler lineup.
• Talk with your local Vermeer hay equipment dealer. A dealer can help you evaluate whether the ZR-4S fits your acres, crop mix, field conditions and bale preferences. They can also walk you through options such as net lift, toolbox storage and support resources.
• Ask about a demo. Talk with your dealer about a demo and the next steps.
• Discuss financing options. If you want to manage upfront costs, ask your dealer about financing programs through Vermeer Credit Corporation. That can be part of the conversation as you evaluate how a ZR-4S fits your cash flow and equipment plans.
• Use your dealer as your haymaking expert. Beyond the machine itself, your Vermeer dealer can help with ongoing support, parts access and service planning as you consider the full ownership picture.

Why buy a Vermeer self-propelled baler?

The biggest reason for a Vermeer self-propelled baler is productivity. The ZR-4S is designed around zero-turn capability, counter steer and machine speeds up to 12 mph in the field and up to 33 mph in transport. That means less time correcting course, less time on headlands and less time getting from one field to the next.

Integrated automation pushes that advantage further. The machine can stop, tie and eject the bale automatically, helping remove steps from the baling cycle and keeping the operator focused on the next pass. Hydraulic drives help support fast, efficient tying, reinforcing the machine’s productivity advantage. Quarter-turn capability adds another layer of efficiency by placing bales parallel to the windrow.

For producers trying to make the most of a short hay window, those are not small advantages. They are the kind of details that can shape how much ground you cover in a day.

What features matter most when buying a self-propelled baler?

Start with crop pickup and flow. The ZR-4S uses a 5-bar camless wide pickup with 70 rubber-mounted pickup teeth. That design helps reduce wear points while giving operators a durable pickup package for varying crop types and field conditions. A hydraulically reversible pickup also helps clear plugs without turning a small interruption into a bigger one.

Then look at what the machine tells you from the cab. The ZR-4S control system gives operators access to bale shape indicators, real-time moisture information, bale count, bales per hour, scales and field statistics. In-cab density adjustments and machine settings mean operators can respond to conditions as they change without climbing in and out of the cab.

Maintenance is another major buying consideration. TempSense™ bearing temperature monitors oversee bearing temperatures. Auto Lube helps automate lubrication for critical bearings. The detachable bale chamber is built to simplify service access and cleanup. Put together, those features support a more uptime-focused ownership experience.

How does the ZR-4S help operator comfort and bale quality?

The ZR-4S helps operators stay effective through long days, not just push through them.

The cab includes an adjustable heated-cooled air ride seat, heat and air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering, a refrigerator compartment and operator-focused controls placed close at hand. Large windows, powered mirrors and infrared pickup and tailgate cameras help improve visibility to the windrow, the baler and bale ejection without constant twisting and checking behind the machine.

That operator experience also supports bale quality. Better visibility and better in-cab information help operators follow windrows more consistently, monitor crop flow and make adjustments with more confidence. The machine does more than move fast — it helps build uniform, marketable bales with greater repeatability.

FAQ: Common questions about the ZR-4S self-propelled baler

What bale size does the ZR-4S make?

The ZR-4S makes bales from 36 in (91.4 cm) to 72 in (182.9 cm) in diameter with a 47-in (119.4-cm) width and a maximum bale weight up to 2,400 lb (1,089 kg).

How fast can the ZR-4S bale and travel?

The machine reaches baling speeds up to 12 mph (19.3 km/h) and transport speeds up to 33 mph (53.1 km/h).

Does the ZR-4S have automation?

Yes. In automation mode, the machine can stop, tie and eject the bale automatically. It also offers quarter-turn capability to place bales parallel to the windrow.

What features help simplify maintenance?

Key maintenance-focused features include the camless wide pickup, Auto Lube greasing system, TempSense™ monitoring and a detachable bale chamber for service access and cleanup.

Who should consider a ZR-4S self-propelled baler?

The ZR-4S fits hay producers and custom operators who want 4-ft-wide bales, faster field-to-field movement and tight turning capability.

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation.

Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region.

Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.

Vermeer, the Vermeer logo, Equipped to Do More and TempSense are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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